PPT2000: Symbols Appear as Squares After Opening Presentation (212413)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft PowerPoint 2000
This article was previously published under Q212413

SYMPTOMS

When you open a PowerPoint presentation on a Windows 95 or 98 computer, you see "square" characters rather than symbol characters.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs when you create the presentation on a computer that is running Windows NT 4.0 and you insert a symbol using the [normal text] option in the Insert Symbol dialog box in PowerPoint. Windows NT 4.0 supports a greater number of special characters than Windows 95 or 98. Because Windows 95 or 98 cannot correctly display these special characters, it displays squares.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, use a symbol from a standard font that is shared by both Windows 95 or 98 and Windows NT rather than the [normal text] option.

The symbol fonts in the following list are shared between Windows NT and Windows 95 or 98:
  • Symbol
  • MT Extra
  • Monotype Sorts
  • Wingdings
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/24/2001
Keywords:kbFont kbprb KB212413
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